The NSW prison population has undergone some remarkable changes in the last 13 years. Between mid-2001 and mid-2009 it increased by 34%. Over the next 3 years it then fell by 8%, reaching a temporary low of 9,600 inmates. The relief provided to correctional administrators by this fall in inmate numbers, however, turned out to be short-lived. Between late September 2012 and late March 2014, the prison population reversed course and rose by 13%, reaching a record high in March this year of 10,917.

The report also says the marginal costs of each additional prisoner over the period from September 2013 to the present was approximately $119 per day.

Here’s a chart released by the agency which demonstrates the rapid increase.

There’s been a significant increase in arrests for certain crimes over the past year and a subsequent increase in the number given a prison sentence.

These crimes, according to the bureau, include obtaining a benefit by deception, driving while licence is disqualified or suspended, burglary/break and enter, serious assault resulting in injury and dealing and trafficking in illicit drugs.

There’s also been an increase in the number of people jailed for aggravated sexual assault.